Software development is a complex process with unique challenges, especially if you plan on building a high-quality, high-value product. After you decide what software you want to build, the next question is whether or not you should build your custom software in-house or outsource the project. This is an extremely important step in the process and not one to be taken lightly. While using your internal team might sound simpler in theory, there are many reasons you should consider using a software outsourcing company instead.
What is Software Outsourcing?
Software development outsourcing occurs when companies choose to have custom software developed by a third party. The services of outsourcing companies can range from customizing pre-developed software to fully custom software solutions. Some companies might choose to only delegate part of the process to a third party, while some might delegate the entire project to an outside vendor.
Why Use an Outsourcing Company?
In short, outsourcing software development gives companies the ability to develop high-quality products in a more cost-efficient manner than using their internal team. This approach can make up for a lack of internal resources or expertise to support the successful completion of the project. Here we will discuss 7 reasons why outsourcing the development of custom software is better than using your internal team.
1. Access to Greater Talent Versatility
The software industry changes every day. To keep your product competitive, you have to be flexible. You also have to be able and willing to use whatever technologies can build you the best custom software. Unfortunately, that isn’t easy with an internal team. When using an internal team, you are limited by their skills and expertise. So, if you need help using a new development tool, you would have to make an additional hire.
Obviously, your employees can’t be good at everything. And unfortunately, there is no way to predict which technologies your company will need in the future. Software development outsourcing gives you access to an entire pool of people with various skills. An external company will be able to join your project whenever is needed and can customize its services to suit your needs.
2. Better Scalability
What happens if your application is doing well and you want to accelerate its development? What if you want to add more features or move into more markets? Hiring and training new members for your internal team to fit the increased workload is both time-consuming and expensive. It is simply not possible to scale up quickly and efficiently with an internal team.
On the flip side, you may launch a product without receiving an enthusiastic response. Or, you might realize that you do not need a full team to maintain it. In this case, you need to scale your team down. But, moving employees to other teams or firing them is not ideal.
With software outsourcing, scalability is not an issue. These companies and their teams are built to be flexible and are ready to grow or shrink at any time. This is what makes outsourcing ideal, particularly for one-off or short-term projects.
3. Quicker Time to Market
As mentioned, being able to innovate quickly and without loss of quality is essential for any business. Being first on the market with a new product or service is a critical factor in the success of your business. Software development outsourcing allows companies to maintain much more control over the speed at which the product is developed. Your limited available resources will not be what dictates the timeline of a project. That is because you can use outside talent to scale the speed of development up or down when needed.
4. Dedicated Team Focusing on One Project
As with most departments in a business, they are likely juggling more than one project at a time. That means that you will likely have to compromise on the quality of the software or delay its completion. When outsourcing, you know that the team you hire is focusing only on the project you give them.
In addition, if you were to need to hire additional members of your team, that is another task that will take up your internal team’s time. With an outsourced team, you won’t have to spend time recruiting, hiring, or training new employees. This takes one more thing off of your team’s plate, allowing them to focus on the mission-critical tasks for your business.
5. Exposure to a New Perspective
Any time you are writing custom software, having new approaches and out-of-the-box thinking is vital. Developers from outside your company might surprise you with unexpected and fresh ideas about improving your project. Their experience working for many companies in many industries means they are not limited to a predetermined way of thinking. They will approach your project with fresh eyes, and potentially new ideas.
6. Gain Access to Strategic Partners
Outsourcing the development of custom software is sometimes about more than just that one specific project. Many companies are using outsourcing as part of a larger strategy to partner with vendors and develop long-term relationships with these teams.
The longer you work with an outsourced team, the better you will understand them. You will learn each other’s working styles, communication methods, and areas of expertise. Over time, this external team will begin feeling like an extension of your internal team. This closeness can translate into further partnerships over time.
7. Reach a Larger Market
A business’s success is often defined by how well it can expand to new markets and expand its revenue. But being able to achieve this requires knowledge from a more global perspective. Outsourcing companies work with clients in many industries in many parts of the world. Because of this, they have an innate knowledge and understanding of global market trends. They can bring this valuable knowledge to your business by using it in the design and development of your custom software.
Trusting an Outside Team
Many business owners have trouble trusting outsiders with such important business tasks. They fear that hiring an outside team will mean they are giving up control over the process. On the contrary, it can be very freeing when you find the right partner that aligns with your vision, and is agreeable to the level of involvement you wish to have in the project.
At Dorian Solutions, we pride ourselves on our mission to be an extension of your team. We understand the demands on your time and want you to have a level of involvement in your project that you are comfortable with. Our process is designed to suit your needs whether that means regular, in-depth discussions and reviews, or just the occasional high-level check in. Give us a call or drop us an email and let’s talk about your goals and how we can help you achieve them.
